Car

Many friends may not know this about us, but we have been a one-car family for eight years now. We slimmed down to one when we moved to SF out of necessity, partly because of the tremendous expense for parking, and partly because we simply didn't need a second vehicle with such an efficient transit system in place.

Since moving back to TN from SF, we have continued to share one vehicle, which some may find difficult to fathom, but with Larry working from home, it works for us. Would we prefer to have a second car? Yes, and no. For sake of convenience, sure. It would be great for us each to go wherever, whenever. For sake of money, heck no. Our car is paid for, so we have no car payment; gas is expensive; we're paying off a mountain of debt; and we've worked out a system where we can get by with just the one.

Up until two weeks ago, we have become complacent regarding this issue, but now I see getting another car as inevitable.

We had just taken Anna Claire to the doctor and had gotten back in the car to go home, and the car would not start. We waited for some time then came back out and it did finally end up starting, at which point we took it straight to the service station. They told us we needed a $700 repair, which they did not have the part for and would have to order. They kept our car for two weeks, only to return it to us with the problem unresolved.

Since the "repair," our little 1999 Saturn SC1 will not go over 20 miles per hour, surges, sometimes won't start at all, and yesterday the check engine light was not just on, but flashing. The diagnosis: needs a new oxygen sensor, fuel line cleaned, and new spark plugs. This will end up costing around a grand.

We are quickly seeing that a car payment would be less costly than all the money we are sinking in this one to make it right. It is just sad to both of us, because you do become attached to a vehicle over time.

My eyes teared up as the tow truck pulled out of our drive yesterday, with my beloved four-wheeled friend for over a decade now. AC said, "Mommy I worried 'bout car. Car gonna be ok?" I sure hope so, sweet girl, but I'm afraid this is beginning of the end for "car."

Car. <3